4,500+ Students
4,500+ Students
Art Education
As a seasoned artist and educator, my career has been defined by a commitment to not only refining my own artistic skills but also to nurturing the next generation of creative minds. From orchestrating art departments on film sets across the globe to teaching art to young students at Sierra Canyon School, and from creating commissioned works for television to guiding aspiring artists through online courses, my path has been a testament to the belief that art is a powerful medium of expression and learning. My experience has taught me that art education is not just about imparting technical skills; it's about inspiring others to see the world through a creative lens, to find their unique voice, and to share their vision with confidence.
Beth Gatza Art Classes
The Platform
2020 - Present
Continuing on this creative journey, my venture into building an online platform as an educator has been both challenging and rewarding. Leveraging my diverse background in art education and film, I embarked on a mission to create a digital sanctuary for artists at all stages of their journey. From designing a comprehensive curriculum for realistic portrait painting courses to filming and editing hundreds of hours of engaging lessons, my goal has always been to make high-quality art education accessible to a global audience. The development of my website from scratch—a task that involved not only technical web design but also the creation of marketing materials and the fostering of an online community—has been a testament to my commitment to art education in the digital age. This platform has allowed me to extend my reach beyond the traditional classroom, connecting with hundreds of students worldwide, and helping them to unlock their artistic potential from the comfort of their own homes.
Sierra Canyon School
2015 - 2020
My tenure as the head art teacher at the lower school campus of Sierra Canyon School marks a significant chapter in my art education journey. In this role, I was privileged to lead a vibrant art program that catered to the creative needs of students from Transitional Kindergarten through 6th grade. My mission was to cultivate an environment where young minds could explore their creativity, experiment with various mediums, and develop a deep appreciation for art. Crafting an innovative curriculum that introduced students to the fundamentals of art while also highlighting careers in the arts, I aimed to inspire a new generation of artists and art lovers.
Managing approximately 30 classes a week, I had the unique opportunity to interact with around 500 students, each bringing their own perspective and enthusiasm for art. This experience allowed me to refine my approach to art education, tailoring lessons to meet the diverse needs of my students and fostering an atmosphere of creativity and exploration. Notably, I spearheaded projects like teaching 5th graders how to create stop-motion animations, culminating in a film festival that showcased their hard work and creativity. These initiatives were not just about teaching art; they were about creating memorable experiences that students would carry with them.
My time at Sierra Canyon School was more than an educational endeavor; it was a journey of growth, collaboration, and discovery. Working alongside a dedicated team of educators and engaging with an enthusiastic community of students and parents, I was able to leave a lasting impact on the school's art program. This experience has been a cornerstone of my career, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of art education and the importance of nurturing creative talent from a young age.
Image from sierracanyonschool.org
Viewpoint School
2011 - 2015
Reflecting on my tenure at Viewpoint School in Calabasas, California, my role expanded far beyond my initial duties as an Attendance Clerk for the high school. As a Summer School Art Teacher for elementary-aged students, I had the privilege of fostering young, creative minds, guiding them through the fundamentals of art and encouraging their artistic expressions. My contributions to the school's vibrant community didn't stop there; my involvement in the theater department allowed me to merge my passion for art with the dynamic world of theater. I took on the creative challenge of painting theater set backdrops for various plays, a role that not only enhanced the visual storytelling of school productions but also deepened my connection to the arts within an educational setting. This multifaceted experience at Viewpoint School underscores the diversity of my skills and my commitment to enriching students' educational journeys through the power of art.
